Safely Using and Applying Glyphosate Herbicides

Report This Article

Safely Using and Applying Glyphosate Herbicides

Safely Using and Applying Glyphosate Herbicides Information

By Jennifer Olvera, Garden Guides Contributor

General Characteristics

Safely using and applying glyphosate herbicides is an important part of responsible gardening. Highly effective at killing weeds, glyphosate is a broad-spectrum, non-selective systemic herbicide that eradicates grasses, annuals, perennials and woody plants. Absorbed into plants mostly through leaves, it also penetrates soft stalk tissue to inhibit the synthesis of amino acid metabolism, killing the entire plant slowly within days or weeks. Glyphosate is absorbed into soil particles, preventing excessive leaching and limiting potential effect on plants not being targeted.

Use and ApplicationGlyphosate is sold worldwide by countless pesticide manufacturers. You can safely use and apply glyphosate to foliage, green stems, cut-stems and cut-stumps. Glyphosate is considered, relatively speaking, to be less harmful than many of its peers because it becomes inactive when it comes into contact with and is absorbed by soil particles. Therefore, it is not easily leached. Still, while glyphosate is less toxic than other herbicides and pesticide, it's important to safely use and apply glyphosate herbicides. Depending on the type of product you purchase, you'll either need to mix a small amount of glyphosate herbicide according to label directions or utilize a ready-to-use glyphosate product. Safely use and apply glyphosate by surrounding the weed with a bottomless cardboard box prior applying the herbicide. Avoid using glyphosate near water.

Weed Control Techniques

Safely using and applying glyphosate herbicide can be done by wearing rubber gloves and eye protection to avoid contact with the liquid. Plan to apply glyphosate when there isn't wind and when no rain is expected for 48 hours following application. Glyphosate herbicides are most effectively used on green, actively growing plants and weeds. Remember that glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide, so it will kill almost any living plant it comes into contact with, including woody plants. Apply glyphosate only to the plants you want to eliminate. Repeat the application of glyphosate every 30 to 45 days. Do not cultivate for two weeks following each application. In tight spots, use a small applicator like a child's paintbrush or small sponge to safely use and apply a glyphosate herbicide.